What is the primary benefit of using multi-mode fiber?

The primary benefit of using multi-mode fiber is its ability to support higher bandwidths over shorter distances. Multi-mode fiber has a larger core diameter, which allows multiple modes of light to propagate simultaneously. This characteristic enables faster data transmission rates, making it ideal for applications within local area networks and short-range communications.

While multi-mode fiber has advantages in terms of installation cost and ease of use, it is typically limited in distance. When considering applications that require high speed and bandwidth over shorter distances, multi-mode fiber excels, especially when dealing with equipment like switches and routers commonly found in data centers and enterprise networks. Higher bandwidth capabilities, particularly in scenarios involving high-definition video or high-speed data transfer, showcase why multi-mode is preferred in certain contexts.

In contrast, signal transmission distance is not a strong suit for multi-mode fiber when compared to single-mode fiber, which is optimized for long-distance transmission. Additionally, although installation costs may be lower, that aspect is context-dependent and does not universally apply to all installations when comparing multi-mode with single-mode systems.